FLOODS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2379, 7 July 1892, Page 4

FLOODS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

Gisborne, July 4. All the low-lying portion of the flat was covered with from 2 feet to 5 feet of water during the greater part of the day. The settlers started early to shift their stock and sheep to higher ground. Though many have lost sheep, the number cannot be ascertained, as everyone has been occupied in removal. A few families, whose residences were on low ground, left their houses. At 1 o’clock the water broke through the road midway between Makaru and Warangahika, flooding Makaru flats, and discharging the flood water down the Tawrehu river. As there are a number of small settlers in that block, occupied in dairy farming, their loss of feed for stock will be severe. In some of the houses the water covered the

floors. Others had 2 feet to 3 feet inside; The tide being very high between 1 o’clock and 2 o’clock the water was backed: tip, and the whole country between Espie’s corner and Wairangahika was like a sea. At about 4 o’clock a big river broke through into an old channel at Awapuni. This relieved the flats generally, and the water fell 2 feet within an hour. No damage has been done about town. All along the coast road all the creeks are swollen and impassable. Beyond Turuhu —Wairoa road, near Craill’s gate, a heavy slip has taken place, and the bridge there has collapsed, breaches being caused in the main road. The middle road through the flats, which was recently formed and metalled, has been levelled into the drains. This, with the metal and culverts washed away on other roads will entail a heavy lost to the County Council for repairs. July 5.

The floods have entirely subsided. The total loss will not exceed 250 sheep and a few other stock. No bridges are seriously injured, but the roads and fences suffered considerably. The paddocks are in a sodden state. A few families have now returned to their dwellings.